Morrisons in Plymstock has fastened security tags on its shopping baskets in a crackdown on cheeky shoppers who refuse to pay for bags at the till.

Security has been beefed up at the newly-revamped superstore because people keep walking off with their baskets to avoid bagging charges.

It's believed 200 have gone missing this year and staff reckon they're stashed in the back of people's cars.

Devices not dissimilar to shop clothing tags are now tied to each basket which sounds off an alarm and alerts security if you try to leave with it.

You can still shop the same way and pick up a basket to browse, then leave it as you normally would when you queue and unload your shopping.

Shopping baskets at Morrisons in Plymstock now have security tags attached

A Morrisons spokeswoman said: "Some of the store's hand baskets had gone missing.

"We now have plenty for all our shoppers including new ones with security tags to help ensure they stay in the store."

It's one of a number of new features at the all improved branch, off Pomphlett Road.

The store has increased in size by 4,500 sq ft during the last six months by creating a glazed lobby extension under the current canopy.

Morrisons in Plymstock has undergone some big changes

The new extension has enlarged the customer café which is now modern and spacious, while there has also been a relocation of the existing customer toilets, reposition of the existing Timpson concession, and the creation of an enlarged and improved store entrance.

New slim-line tills help speed up scanning and packing shopping, akin to checkouts at Aldi and Lidl.

It's not the first time supermarkets have taken such action to stamp out theft.

Read More

Tesco and Asda in recent years reportedly security-proofed their shopping baskets in light of the 5p carrier bag tax.

One Greater Manchester store had a third of all their baskets stolen in one week back in 2015 after plastic carriers were no longer free of charge.

A new chapter for Morrisons Plymstock

Store manager, Tom McMullen says it has been an exciting six months for Morrisons

Morrisons asked its customers what they would like to change about the Plymstock store to make it easier for them to shop.

Their suggestions were used to improve the supermarket and, after a 25-week makeover, the store officially relaunched on Thursday, November 8.

Tom McMullen, who has been the store manager since the start of the work, said: "It's been a really exciting six months watching our store develop.

"We've witnessed change every day which has lead us to great position we are in now.

"I'd like to thank our colleagues in store, who have been brilliant and have worked really hard throughout this change.

"I'd also like to say thank you to our loyal customers, who have continued shopping with us throughout and supported our development."

Video Loading

Video Unavailable

Click to playTap to play

The video will start in 8Cancel

Play now

Shoppers will find that there has been a complete overhaul of the food court with a brand new hot chicken serving area, as well as various other new counters, including a fish bar, butchery, deli and a pizza bar.

The store has been kitted out with new fridges and freezers which are all energy-saving and efficient.

A brand new large homeware section caters for every need as does the increased gluten-free range which covers an entire aisle, providing great variety.